On May 26, 2026, Russia issued a stern warning to the United States and other nations with diplomats in Kyiv. Russia urged them to leave the Ukrainian capital to avoid what it described as ‘systematic strikes.’ Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed he received the warning directly from his Russian counterpart, offering Washington’s assistance in stalled negotiation efforts to end the ongoing conflict.
European countries dismissed Russia’s demand to vacate Kyiv, labeling the threat a desperate move. Several nations summoned Russian ambassadors in protest. The escalation follows a weekend marked by heavy bombardment, including the use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile.
The threat has unsettled many Kyiv residents. Lesia Homiak experienced a missile hitting close to her home in the Podil district, causing severe damage. ‘I have never felt anything like that in my life,’ Homiak expressed. Her apartment sustained significant structural damage, leaving her grateful to be alive.
Moscow signaled more attacks might follow. Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated the plan to target military sites in Kyiv, citing it as a response to a drone attack that reportedly killed civilians in Luhansk. Kyiv’s military denied these accusations.
Kyiv has increasingly targeted sites deeper within Russian-held territories. However, cities like Kyiv face frequent bombings resulting in significant damage and many civilian casualties. Russia declared the attack on Luhansk as the final straw, indicating they reached a breaking point.
During a conversation with Rubio, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized future attacks on Kyiv and reiterated the evacuation of U.S. diplomatic staff. Rubio acknowledged the notice and mentioned the lack of scheduled peace negotiations on Ukraine, although the U.S. aims to assist if opportunities arise.
Some U.S. allies responded more robustly. Katarina Mathernova, head of the E.U. mission, vowed not to leave Kyiv, criticizing Russia’s threat as hypocritical. Other allies, including France and Poland, condemned the intimidation and vowed support for Ukraine.
Anxiety prevails among Kyiv’s inhabitants. While concerned about the heightened threat, Lesia Homiak and her partner, Andriy Klen, plan to remain in Kyiv but will seek shelter in the subway for safety. Online, Russia’s military bloggers expressed approval of the intensified threat, although they urged action rather than words.
Anastasiia Parafeniuk reported from Kyiv and Yuliya Talmazan from London.